Music in Film: Soundtracks and Synergy

by Pauline Reay

Providing an introduction to an area of increasing undergraduate study, Music in Film gives a critical overview of contemporary music whilst placing it within a historical and cultural context. A broad range of films are discussed from Hollywood through to Amerian independents and European art films - including Pulp Fiction, Trainspotting, the work of David Lynch and Pedro Almodovar. A brief history of the development of music in film from the days of the silent era to the present day, the book explores how music operates as a narrative device, and also emotionally and culturally. There is an extended case study of Magnolia as a film script which developed from a pop song. Emphasis is also placed on the divide between the 'high culture' of the orchestral score and the 'low culture' of the pop song.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2004

Reviews

[Ansley Burnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The introduction and first chapter were superb. Some of the “case studies” were not as interesting to me just because they were either about a film I haven’t seen or because they were conveying a musicology concept that isn’t relevant to what I’m currently wanting to learn more about. I would have liked a touch more research utilized overall.